our deliverance by this Parliament exceeding great, and full of confidence, which
as they were strengthened by many Acts of yours in the beginning, especially towards
consciencious people, without respect unto their judgement or opinions; so
did the gratitude of the well-minded people exceed all presidents or example, sparing
neither estate, limb liberty, or life, to make good the authority of this Honourable
House, as the Foundation and root of all just Freedoms: although we many
times observed (to our grief) some proceedings holding resemblance, rather with
our former bondage; yet did we impute the same to the troublesomness of the
times of war, patiently and silently passing them over, as undoubtedly hoping a
perfect remedy, so soon as the wars were ended: But perceiving our expectations
in some particulars frustrated; and considering some late dealings with some of
our friends &c. The consideration of which, lies so heavy on our spirits, that for
prevention thereof, we conceive our selves bound in conscience, and duty to God,
to set before you once more, the general grievances of the Common-wealth, and
the earnest desires of the ingenuous and wel-minded people.
1. that the Petition of the 11 of September, and the Agreement of the people,
may be re-assumed, and the particulars thereof speedily established.
2. We most earnestly beg, with many other of your faithful friends, in all the
Counties of England, that that most irksom and intollerable oppression of Tithes,
which is retained in no reformed Church, nevertheless more firmly established then
ever, by your Ordinances for treble damages, made in the Parliaments corruption,
and yet no Act against it, which causes our hearts to be discouraged, and brought
into much fear and doubt of the removal of these and other bondages, by this Representative:
Wherefore we cannot pass it by, but again intreat. That the Ordinances
for Tithes may be speedily revoked, and that a more equal way of maintenance
be provided for the publike Ministery.
3. That all proceedings in Law, may be in English, That a short time may be
inserted, for the Tryal of all Causes, and that by twelve men of the Neighborhood;
and that none may be debarred of freedom to plead his own or neighbors
cause, before any Court of Justice, although no Lawyer, And that no Member of
your House be suffered to plead as a Lawyer, whilest a Member thereof.
4. That some course may be taken for the future, to pay the Army; not laying
such intolerable Burthens and Taxes on the people, which we are not able to bear:
And so we shall for ever stand by you, and all Representatives, for the Freedom of
this Nation, as formerly. Desiring that we may obtain speedily a new and equal
Representative.
And your Petitioners shall ever pray.
Dantzick, August 5.
The King of Poland having notice that the Cossacks were marching with all their
strength, to beset his Army round, hath sent out his Proclamations, commanding
all the men able to bear Arms in that Country, and to the Governors of the next
Counties, that so they might be in a readiness to march in a body with their Arms,
and to advance to Lublin, where the Rendezvous is appointed, and so joyn with the
Field Marshal of the Poland forces, to whom also the King hath sent 4000 horse,
lately come from Germany. The King moreover having assured him that he will be
there in person, and bring with him some considerable forces, not onely to hinder
the invasion of the Cossacks, who do much spoyl the Countrey, but even use all
means possible to drive them out, although they boast much, that having received